The embodiment of the “Tree of Jesse” composition in the mural paintings of st. George’s church in Drohobych within the context of Ukrainian art monuments

Abstract

Abstract. The “Tree of Jesse” is one of the central iconographic motifs of Christian art, visualizing the biblical genealogy of Jesus Christ in accordance with the prophecy of Isaiah. Aim of the Article. To carry out a comprehensive investigation of the iconography of the “Tree of Jesse” composition in the mural paintings of St. George’s Church in Drohobych, to perform a comparative analysis with other Ukrainian and European examples, and to interpret the symbolism of the tulip ornament within the context of seventeenth-century sacred art. The study’s novelty lies in the identification and systematic analysis of a distinctive feature of the Drohobych mural – the inclusion of the tulip motif, unique for Ukrainian religious iconography – and in uncovering the possible cultural and trade routes through which this element entered the Ukrainian artistic tradition. The originality of the research lies in its integration of iconographic, cultural-historical, and symbolic approaches, which makes it possible to situate the Drohobych monument more precisely within the development of Ukrainian iconography and to trace its connections to broader European artistic trends of the early modern period. Conclusions. The “Tree of Jesse” mural in St. George’s Church, Drohobych, is not only a representation of the canonical biblical narrative but also a testament to the creative synthesis of local iconographic tradition and international stylistic influences, expanding our understanding of cultural circulation in East European sacred art.